Jeremiah 35
-In the days of Johoiakim, the
son of Josiah, king of Judah, God sent Jeremiah to the Rechabites with a
message to bring into the house of the LORD and to give them wine to drink. The
issue here was a family command that they have received from their forefathers,
namely a man of God, Igdaliah. They had been commanded in their family not to
drink wine forever as to their sons, wives, or daughters. They were nomads
dwelling in tents, and they did not build houses or plant crops or vineyards.
This was done for dwelling long in the land and for mobility and agility
(ability to move with quick easy grace, resourceful, adaptable, Jeremiah
35:6-7). The Rechabites had persisted in obedience to this familial order all
their days and were now being used as an example to contrast with the disobedience,
spiritually speaking, in Israel and Judah in particular. God had spoken to His
people again and again through His servants the prophets, but they would not
amend their evil ways and deeds to turn back to Him in repentance. They went
after other gods in rebellion and distrust, which would now bring disaster upon
them all because they refused to listen and answer when God called them for
potential blessing (Jeremiah 35:8-17). For the obedient Rechabites, the reward
would be great as they would have a man of theirs before the LORD forever for
their obedience (Jeremiah 35:18-19). *Application* We see here the importance
of being compliant for the favor and blessing of God Almighty. Listen to the
voice of your authorities and heed their commands. The ultimate obviously is
the LORD, which has eternal value. Do not turn unto your own systems and
situational values. Follow the ancient Godly paths (Jeremiah 6:16; 18:15).
Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 35:15
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